Introducing Kenneth Sumners: A Path to Freedom Through Multifamily Investments
Meet Kenneth Sumners, a fifth-generation entrepreneur and a triumphant investor who wears many hats, including being the business owner of Sumners Capital in San Antonio, Texas. Kenneth embarked on his remarkable journey in real estate, initially diving into residential homes as an investor. However, his aspirations soon extended to multifamily investments, setting him on a path towards financial independence and success.
As our conversation unfolded, I had the privilege of delving into the early chapters of Kenneth's journey to success. He recounted a pivotal moment when he realized the need for change. Balancing his roles as a husband, father to a 6-month-old, and a 2-year-old, Kenneth recognized that every moment spent away from his family detracted from being present with his family. Driven by his desire for passive income – a gateway to financial freedom – he set his sights on apartment investments as the solution.
Kenneth's dedication was clear as he immersed himself in a wealth of resources. His determination manifested through voracious reading, podcast consumption, and article exploration, all aimed at equipping him for a leap into the commercial property domain. Unexpectedly, his wife Allison introduced him to Ruben Dominguez, the Co-Founder of Apartment Educators and a principal at Totem Capital Group. The networking community that Ruben was forming in multifamily investments resonated deeply with Kenneth, and he recognized it as the cohort of seasoned investors he had been looking for.
"Apartment Educators provide a direct avenue for mutual accountability and support among group members. It's a forum to discuss progress, contribute positively, address challenges, and derive inspiration from others' journeys. This dynamic environment accelerates growth by emphasizing crucial focal points."
- Kenneth Sumners, CEO of Sumners Capital
During this period, Ruben and Devin Elder, Co-Founder of Apartment Educators and principal of DJE Texas Management Group, were laying the groundwork for Apartment Educators. The meet-ups happened at a cozy home in Alamo Heights. Here, the visionary founders had a chance to share their experiences and insights with others who were just as passionate about stepping into the multifamily industry. Apartment Educators thrives on fostering knowledge and community, and it wasn't long before Kenneth became a member in February 2020. Reflecting on this, Kenneth articulated, "Apartment Educators provide a direct avenue for mutual accountability and support among group members. It's a forum to discuss progress, contribute positively, address challenges, and derive inspiration from others' journeys. This dynamic environment accelerates growth by emphasizing crucial focal points."
Apartment Educator Members
Dedicated and tenacious, Kenneth completed the Apartment Educators program in a span of 8 to 10 weeks. He transitioned seamlessly into networking, forging connections with new acquaintances at the monthly Apartment Educators Events. His journey as a passive investor commenced in 2018, with a portfolio boasting four deals before he took the leap to sponsor his own deal in 2021.
Not immune to challenges, Kenneth shared that his path was marked by a few twists and turns, including a deal that was under contract in June 2021 being canceled. However, this setback merely fueled his resilience, and he persevered. By September, he was once again under contract, and by December, the deal had successfully closed.
Kenneth Sumners and partner Brian Head. Apartment Invested in 2021
Kenneth attributes his prowess in underwriting, deal analysis, and collaborative teamwork to the Apartment Educators program. For three years, he had soaked in wisdom from podcasts and books while juggling a full-time W2 job and the responsibilities of fatherhood since 2017.
In retrospect, Kenneth's journey to financial freedom through multifamily investments is a testament to his unwavering motivation, impeccable timing, and the power of a supportive community. As he continues to flourish, his story stands as an inspiring illustration of how a blend of dedication, education, and the right network can pave the way to unparalleled success.
Kenneth’s approach to success involves a strong emphasis on collaboration. He's a firm believer in the power of partnerships and has put this into action by teaming up with numerous fellow students from Apartment Educators on previous ventures. This strategy not only allows him to pool resources and knowledge but also fosters a sense of shared growth and achievement. The success of Kenneth and the many other coaches and members who have emerged from the Apartment Educators program serves as a testament to the program's effectiveness in fostering a dynamic network of individuals who not only excel in their personal investments but also actively contribute to the enrichment of the entire community.
